[Mesothelioma of the pleura: cytology, coagulation of protein (Weltmann) and hyaluronic acid as parameters of clinical diagnosis (author's transl)].

Pleural effusions provoked by 52 mesotheliomas are investigated following 1. they cytological findings 2. the coagulation of protein by the method of Weltmann 3. the concentration of hyaluronic acid. Determined combinations as results of method 1. and 2. made possible the diagnosis in 32 from 52 cases. But these methods are not absolute exact in itself because clinical and morphological experiences of the investigator are not to separate from the diagnostical judgement. The third parameter is independent of such experiences. The concentration of hyaluronic acid measured by a colorimetric test was in 20 of the 52 cases in such a high level, that these phenomenon alone was the proof for mesothelioma causing the fluid. The lower limit, which is also attainable in fluids from other diseases, lies by a concentration of about 250 mg/litre.